Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Ro 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

We are no longer under the Law to keep it, but under grace to live holy in Christ! Paul made three statements about the Christian and the Law, all of these declare—“NO CONDEMNATION!":

The Law Cannot Claim You (v2)!

When we accepted Christ the Spirit imparted to us new life! That life being “Christ in you, the hope of glory!" (Colossians 1:27b). Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20—“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Now because I am “in Christ Jesus" the Spirit enables me to live free because sin and death no longer have dominion over me! We read in Hebrews 2:14-15—“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” We must walk daily in our freedom and not voluntarily put ourselves in bondage to the flesh (Galatians 5:16). The Law no longer has any jurisdiction over my life because I am dead to the Law (Romans 7:4) and free from the Law (Romans 8:2)!

The Law Cannot Condemn You (v3)!

The Law was useful in that in showed us our transgression! The Law’s purpose is given to us in Galatians 3:24-25—“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” But when Christ came He suffered condemnation for us on the Cross! Galatians 3:13 tells us—“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.” Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:21—“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” The Law could not save; it could only condemn. Galatians 3:10 says—“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” Christ came to do for us what no other man could do! (Romans. 5:8). He came from Heaven, took upon Him the robe of flesh and died on Calvary for all men! All this was done all according to God’s perfect will and plan (Galatians 4:4-5). In our judicial system we have a law of "double jeopardy". It states that a man cannot be tried for twice for the same crime. Since Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins and we are "in Christ", the Law cannot condemn us! Hebrews 10:12, 14 tells us—“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.”

The Law Cannot Control You (v4)!

We live a holy life not in the power of the Law, but by the power of the Holy Spirit! We read in Galatians 5:24-25—“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” The Law cannot produce holiness; It's purpose is to convict of sin. 1 Timothy 1:8-10 tells us—“But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.” Hebrews 10:1 speaking of the Law says—“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to walk in obedience to God's Will! Thus the righteousness that God demands in His Law is fulfilled in us by the working of God's Spirit! Paul said in Colossians 1:29—“Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” One who tries to live godly in the power of the flesh will fail! But we, who are Spirit-led believers, MUST ALLOW the Holy Spirit to do the work of sanctifying our lives daily! (Philippians 2:13).

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Mark 8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

Do we live for time or for eternity? Many people live for time trying to get all they can and keep all they get with little thought of eternal values.In this passage of scripture, Peter failed concerning the eternal. In verse 33, Jesus told him, ...thou savourest not the tings that be of God, but the things that be of man. What are the greatest things in life that we should dedicated ourselves to as we focus on eternity?

I. God wants us to be close to Him.

There are two important invitations from the Lord.A. God's invitation to us is come unto me. This is Conversion.Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.B. God's second invitation to us is come after me. This is Closeness.Matthew 8:34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.Many seek salvation but once they are saved, they are reluctant to get close to the Lord. We must be dedicated to getting close to Him.

II. God wants us to be changed.

A. The change requires that we must deny ourselves. B. The child of God must never demand their rights, but rather delight in knowing and serving Him.C. The child of God should have this attitude I must decrease but he must increase.John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

III. God wants us to be conformed.

A. If we are to be conformed to the image of Christ, we must take us our cross and follow him. Ro 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.B. When we do this, we will identify with the sufferings of Christ.Mark 8:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

IV. God wants us to be committed.

A. We must follow him.B. As we follow the Lord, we must surrender self-will to the Holy Spirit's will.Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

Monday, September 28, 2009

1. I Love The Church Because It Is A Place That God Loves - Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.

2. I Love The Church Because It Is A Place Of Worship - Psalms 5:7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

3. I Love The Church Because It Is A Place Of Preaching And Teach God’s Word - 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

4. I Love The Church Because It Is A Place Where God’s People Gather - Psalms 55:14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.(The greatest people on earth are there!)

5. I Love The Church Because It Is a Place Where Sinners Are Both Sought And Loved - Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

6. I Love The Church Because It Is God’s Instrument For World Evangelism - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God–ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

7. I Love The Church Because It Was There That I Heard The True Gospel Preached And Was Gloriously and Eternally Saved – Luke 18:10, 13-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican … And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

8. I Love The Church Because It Is A Place Of Comfort And Spiritual Joy - Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

9. I Love The Church Because It Is An Encouragement Filling Station - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

10. I Love The Church Because It Is Just A Little Bit Of Heaven On Earth - Psalms 84:1-12 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Bro Clarence Sexton preached a tremendous message on friends at Marion Avenue Baptist Church on Tuesday the 22nd. After hearing it I started doing some studying along that thought and this is the first outline that has come so far. I may post others as the Lord gives them to me.

Gen 18

Abraham is called “the friend of God” (James 2:23; 2 Chron 20:7; Isa. 41:8). Genesis 18 is a picture of two friends having an intimate discussion.

Qualities that characterize this friendship in the chapter:

1. Friends enjoy companionship together (vs. 1-8). Fellowship Ge 18:1-8 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

2. Friends care for each other’s needs (v. 3). Serve each other.

3. Friends confide in each other (v. 17). Friends know each other (v. 19).

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Faith is the foundation. You can’t build if you don’t have a foundation. 1 Cor 3:10-11 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

These things are not just niceties, they are must haves and we are disobedient to not pursue these godly characteristics in our lives. Rom 8:29--For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.Now, don’t pat yourself on the back if you have 3 or even 4 of these operating in your life. We are to have all seven of them!

Building Block#2-Anticipation (v8)Fruitfulness (John 15:5, 8, 16)—Illus: Prayer each day that the Lord would give us fruit from our labors. We should have an expectation that Christ will bear fruit through us.

Building Block#3-Avoidance (v9)Forgetfulness—Have you ever forgotten that you were purged from your sins and have a new nature. 2 Cor 5:17--Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Building Block#4-Assessment (vs10-11)Making Your calling and election sure— 2 Cor 13:5--Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Peter wants us to enjoy the certainty of our salvation, and be so firmly established in our faith, that we cannot be shaken or taken by false doctrine. How many professing Christians are not possessing Christians? They haven’t assessed their calling and election. We need to be sure of whatever ministry we are embarking upon, and that it is God led.

Note: These things only happen through due diligence (10a). Most Christians are operating in default mode.

Monday, September 21, 2009

"Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee." (Job 22:21)

Eliphaz thinks Job has forsaken the Lord, thus bringing on his miseries. And because Eliphaz knew the Lord, he felt that Job and the Lord just needed to get reacquainted, "Acquaint now thyself with him." Well Eliphaz was wrong about Job but he was right about the Lord. A close relationship with the Lord does not prevent troubles but in fact often is the cause of them. But to not know the Lord is to not know the peace He gives in the midst of the troubles. "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace."

Now I don’t have to ask you if you have any troubles right now, I’m sure you could write a book about them. But Today’s devotion does ask if you have peace anyway? If not, you too may need to get reacquainted with the Lord. You cannot bear your cross without getting splinters, but the peace of God still passes understanding for those who stay acquainted.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

There were three periods in the Life Of Christ. They are: 1. OBSCURITY. This was the period of time from His birth until His baptism.2. POPULARITY. This was the period of time for about a year or year and half after He started His public ministry.3. REJECTION. This was the period of time before His death and the nation of Israel rejected Him as a nation at Pilate’s judgment hall. “Again” – He had been there before.“Capernaum” - Majority of miracles worked there.“Noised” - word got out. How did the word get out?“After some days” - rested for several days.“Crowd gathered ““He preached the word unto them”“Four men carrying friend” Where did they get him? What problem did these men encounter? They encountered a Barrier. They did not allow the barrier of people to stop them from getting the blessing of God.

What are some barriers that prevent the blessing of God from coming to you? Let me explore three quickly.

I. SELF-CENTERED Philippians 2:21“For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s” This is exactly opposite what our Lord Jesus did. His whole ministry was others. There is a song of yesteryear that expresses how our Lord Jesus lived. The name of the song is “Others”. We are more interested in ourselves. If we want to get the blessings of God, then we need to get rid of this barrier.

II. INDIFFERENT Lamentations 1:12 “Is it nothing to you all ye that pass by” In other words, the Lord is asking if we care less. That is one of the attitudes that we face is that people careless whether or not they get the blessings of God or not. They are so wrapped up in the things of the world and seem to have everything else that the blessings of God are the last thing on their mind. Also since it is the last thing on their mind, they are blinded to the need. They are indifferent to the claims of Christ. They are indifferent to the church that God has placed in their lives. They are indifferent to the promises of Christ. Another word for indifference is apathy. What is apathy? It is beautifully illustrated with this sentence. “I don’t know and I don’t care.”

III. CRITICAL ATTITUDEThere was a sign in a business one time that read “You came in here without knocking - leave same”. That is good advice. This is especially true for church. There is enough grouches in this world. Why should we be one of them?

An old preacher of yesteryears preached a message calls “Some dogs I have known.” He likened the qualities of some dogs to certain kinds of people. These demonstrate some of the attitudes of people including the critical ones. 1. Some are like collies—slow, patient, kind, friendly. 2. Chihuahuas—snappy, yappy, nervous, cowardly, irritable. 3. Poodles—dainty, prissy, high strung, high maintenance, good for nothing. 4. Pit-bulls—Strong, tough, tenacious, brave, high tolerance to pain, fighters. 5. Great Danes—Large, slow, cumbersome, not too bright. 6. Rat Terriers—Fast, playful, full of energy, desire to please, easy to teach/train.7. German shepherds—Protective, alert, intelligent, quick.8. Mutts—Common looking; loyal; easy-going; always available.He concluded his sermon by saying, “But a dog is still a dog!”

A critical attitude like some of these dogs is still an attitude. It is a barrier to the blessings of God.

How do get rid of these barriers to the blessings of God? I thought upon this and one verse of scripture came to mind. Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”

Having our minds like Christ will destroy self-centeredness, indifference and a crucial attitude.

Friday, September 18, 2009

1. A Mirror - To Show Us Ourselves (James 1:23-25 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work,)

2. A Hammer - To Break The Will(Jer. 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?)

3. A Fire - To Melt The Heart(Jer. 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?)

4. A Sword - To Pierce The Conscience(Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.)

5. A Seed - To Quicken The Soul(1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.)

6. A Laver - To Cleanse The Way(Eph. 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,)

7. A Light - To Show The Path (Psa 119: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.)

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

“ LIFE IS A SERIES OF PROBLEM-SOLVING OPPORTUNITIES.” The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring

Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:

1. God uses problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? Gen 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

2. God uses problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags. . . if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

3. God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something ... health, money, a relationship. . . by losing it. Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

4. God uses problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. I heard of a man that was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. Romans 5:3-4 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

The point is,God is at work in your life, even when you don’t recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier & profitable when you cooperate with Him!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Jane and I celebrated our one year anniversary at Northwest Baptist Church yesterday. I want to highlight a few of the many things that God has done for our church is this past year. The church had been without a pastor for three and a half years. They had an Interiem pastor for about a year and a half of that time. Some of the folks thought would have been a good pastor for them but he did not feel it was God's will. When we came out here to see the church and preach for them I was encouraged by their desire to see the church grow and move forward. We had several meetings already on our schedule and a trip to Hawaii for our 30th anniversary so we really did not get started right away. On our first service a Wednesday night we only had 10 people but they had about 20 or 25 most Sundays. I set a personel goal for the church to have 60 in a year.

So when we returned from Hawaii in December I started a Soul winning and Visitation class. We had 8 attend and the class ran through Feb. Then in March we started doorknocking with the eight people and God blessed us with visitors each week and many souls saved. We planned for a "Friend Day" on the last Sunday of May. We had 94 that morning and the folkes were excited. We have continued to see visitors each week and when I counted the total number of visitors for the year we have had 322 first time visitors, 6 per week.

We have had a few setbacks, one of the two deacons, (a family of 9), job moved him and his family to Oklahoma City. This was a great loss for our church because he was our treasure and song leader and Sunday school teacher, He went door knocking every week, but God has sent us other to help. The other deacon and I had several disagreements and he and his family also left. He taught Sunday school and his wife played the piano. Jane ane I figured we only have 6 people left of the faithful ones. We have lost about 17 or 18 but God has sent others in their sted.

Our goal of 60 by the 1 year mark looked out of reach a few times but God has blessed our faithfulness to go doorknocking each week and last Sunday we had "Patriot Sunday" and had 71 and then yesterday we had 63. My goal is 100 by this Sunday next year then we will need to start working on a new auditorium. The one we have now will only seat about 120 so if we split the children off for childrens church we can only run about 150. We do have room to build a 350 auditorium behind the church and have 100 parking spaces.

We have also remodeled the foyer and cleaned up the front of the church with new flower beds and cut down a tree. This opened up the the view of the front of the church. I think the first impression has been greatly enhanced.

I am very excited about what God is doing here and can hardly wait to see what He will do this year. We want to be faithful to continue to door knock and invite as many as we can. We are looking at a van we can ues to start a bus ministry with and will have a big spring campaign.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Until the 14th century most people had only one name. It has been estimated that in medieval England 3 of every 5 men carried the name of Henry, Robert, John, William, or Richard. As towns and cities grew, so did the necessity to further identify individuals and families, thus requiring a second name, or surname. There were basically 4 ways in which surnames names were adopted.1. The fathers' name with "son" immediately after it ( i.e. Peterson or Woodson).2. Words that identify where a person lived or came from (i.e. Hill, Lake, Wood) 3. Words that identify what a person did for a living, i. e. Miller, Butcher, Baker, Taylor, or Butler.4. Nicknames: Usually based on a person's personality, features, or characteristics (i.e. short, long, savage).Names can define a person’s authority. Some common examples would be the following: sergeant, general, or President. Names can also define a person’s skills. By knowing these skills we know who to turn to with specific needs. A few examples would include: master electrician, plumber, or Surgeon. Names can also set a person apart. Some of the following names show a distinction or specialization. For example: CPA or M.D.Names define a personal attributes. If I ask you to describe your next door neighbor, you might use terms like these: strong, compassionate, or humble.Names define our interpersonal roles and relationships. I’ve listed some of the names and roles that I maintain with different individuals in my sphere of influence. These include names such as dad, husband, pastor, friend, son, uncle and neighbor. Even though I am just one person. I am not the same person to each individual that I relate to.

It has been estimated that there are more than 3000 names of God revealed in scripture. Perhaps some of the greatest names of God are found in Isaiah 9: 6.He is called "Wonderful , Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace." In other words, He is all of these things, both in name and in nature. These names of God suggests that He is everything.

I. He is REASON for my praise - "Wonderful"

Everything about God is wonderful! He is worthy of all my praise. His is WONDERFUL. He is beyond anything we have ever seen,. He is singularly unique. "Wonderful" denotes something indescribably great, so tremendous, and so amazing. That which it’s literally beyond all description. It speaks of that which goes beyond human comprehension. A. Wonderful in His passion No greater love. We love Him because He first loved us.B. Wonderful in His pardon Free, full, and foreverC. Wonderful in His provision

II. He is the REMEDY for my problems - "Counsellor"

He is my problem solver. He is the only one in the universe who requires no counsel. In Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He looks to no one else, and He leans on no-one else.Our lives are filled with problems. Our lives are filled with predicaments. Our lives are filled with perils. Many people will write Dear Abby, read self_help books, go to non Christian psychiatrists and talk to everyone they know except the only One who is able to help them and handle their problems. God is wonderfully qualified for the job of counsellor. As counsellor He is always available. As counsellor He has unimaginable insight. He can see the end from the beginning. He knows all there is to know about anything.See Romans 11:33,34.He has the answer for my heart problems.He has the answer for my home problems.He has the answer for my hurting problems.

III. He is the RESOURCE for my power - "The mighty God"

He is the creator of all. There is nothing He cannot do.However, I think of a little Sunday school class who was studying, for several weeks, the awesome power of God. After a few Sunday sessions, the teacher decided to quiz the class on what they had learned of God’s power. She asked, "Class, can anyone tell if there is something that God cannot do?" Silence filled the room, then suddenly little Johnny, in the back of the class, raised his hand. Needless to say, the faithful Sunday school teacher was shocked. She had spent countless hours studying, preparing, and teaching the class of the awesome power of God. She said, "Johnny, is there something God cannot do?" Johnny looked her square in the eye, and said, "Yes ma’am, He can’t please everybody!" That may be true He is the God who created all things, the God who controls all things, and the God who conducts all things. He can do anything for this world, through this world, with this world, to this world, or in this world that He chooses to do. He is the MIGHTY GOD, and the Mighty god is the resource for my power.See Philippians 4:13. I am glad I know the Mighty God.

IV. He is the REFUGE for my perils -"The everlasting Father"

One of the most precious, and blessed names of God is "The everlasting Father." If you are a Christian, you may be without an earthly father; but, friend, you have a Heavenly Father, and as a father He is a refuge when the storms of life come.He is the unending Father, the unchanging Father, and the understanding Father.He that rules the vastness of eternity, He whose being stretches from everlasting to everlasting takes the time to care for me as a Father. In fact, notice the text tells us that:A. As a refuge He gives us Safety!We have a refuge. In Him we find a Hiding place. In times of danger, distress, or darkness, we can run to Him, and as a father, He gives us safety.B. As a refuge He gives us Security!Is it any wonder Isaiah could speak with such joy in introducing him to us as "The everlasting Father,’" the father of eternity.Oh, what security.

V. He is the RESERVOIR for my peace -"The prince of Peace"

Peace is one of the deepest needs of the human heart.There was a widow who had "Rest In Peace" put on her husband’s tombstone. When she found out that He left her out of his will, she had added, "Till I come." We live in a world which is striving, seeking, and starving for peace. However, peace is not found in possessions, programs, politics, or parties. True peace is only found in a person, and He is "The Prince of Peace." A. We can REST in Him!We read in Isaiah 26: 3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." If we are to know His peace, then we must rest in the fact that He is God, He's still on the throne, He's still in control, and He's got the whole world in His hand. B. We can RELY on Him!Listen again to the words of the prophet in Isaiah 26: 3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." The word "stayed" comes from a Hebrew word that gives us our English word "staff."As you know, a staff was something closely related to the shepherds of that day. The staff was what the shepherd used to count and correct his sheep. It was something which played a vital role in the everyday life of a shepherd.However, the staff had another important use to the shepherd. The shepherd's staff was often used for support. At the end of a long, hot, tiring day, the shepherd leaned on his staff for support. It was used to support him when he could not support himself. You could say that the shepherd relied on his staff to hold him up.In the same way, you and I can rely on the Lord. He is our support. When we cannot support ourselves us, we can rely and lean on Him, and He supports us. We can rest in Him, and we can rely on Him for all things, in all things, and with all things.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

These words are some of the most disappointing and sobering words ever recorded in Scripture. Before we look at the reasons that Agrippa refused to be saved, let's first look at some interesting facts that helps put things in perspective.A. The Messenger – the Apostle PaulAgrippa couldn't blame his lost condition on the preacher! God sent him the best there was, and yet he still refused. 1. The Messenger was Powerful vs. 22 (he had God helping him!) 2. The Messenger was Passionate vs. 24 3. The Messenger was Persuasive vs. 29B. The Message – the gospel of Jesus Christ 1. The Message was a Testimony vs. 4-18 not hearsay, but personally experienced and proven in his life 2. The Message was Truth vs. 25 3. The Message was Told vs. 26

Some reasons why Agrippa probably wouldn't get saved.

I. Pride

• Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. • Psalms 73:6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; • Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. • Psalms 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. • Proverbs 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. • Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

II. Position

• Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. • Luke 14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. • James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

III. Possessions

Turn to Mark 10:17-25 A. The Man was Searching vs. 17 B. The Man was Serious – he came running C. The Man was Self-righteous vs. 20 D. The Man was Sorrowful• Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. • 1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. • Philippians 3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.

IV. Peer Pressure (Felix and all the others were sitting there watching him)

• James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. • Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

V. Procrastination

• Acts 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. • Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. • James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. • 1 Samuel 20:3 but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

1. His Life for their Redemption (John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.)

2. His Flesh for their Sustenance (John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.)

3. His Peace for their Enjoyment (John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.)

4. His Example for their Pattern (John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.)

5. His Word for their Sanctification (John 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.)

6. His Glory for their Home (John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:)

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Hebrews 1:1-3 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;.

Monday, September 7, 2009

There are far too many of these today. That is the home where people are playing Church and pretending to be good Christians. Remember what God said about those who are luke warm?

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16).

The lukewarm home is a dangerous place:

In the lukewarm home there is no safety for the children.

The average home is a place where the children do as they please with little or no restraint from Godly parents who decide what happens in the home according to the Bible.

* Music is not monitored and controlled, not with an iron fist because of different taste, but because of God’s Word and the fact that most music is contrary to that Word.

* Friends are not monitored and controlled. Parents used to be concerned about who their children associated with. Today we have developed an attitude that says children must be allowed to decide for themselves. This is a crazy concept, born in Hell. We don’t let them decide about taking a bath, eating, brushing their teeth, sleep, etc. That’s because they will make the wrong decisions without proper guidance. They need a Godly parent’s guidance when it comes to friends. It will not make you popular, but it will bring you peace and give your children safely in the long run.

* Manners and courtesy is not monitored and controlled. We have a generation today that does not know how to carry on a decent conversation. They cannot answer the phone, greet visitors in the home, or say please and thank-you.

Boys are not taught to carry themselves like men, they are not taught how to walk, sit, or look people in the eye.

Girls are not taught how to walk, sit, of present themselves as pure and modest.

Children are not taught to work, get up early, have personal responsibility, etc. No wonder our children are falling prey to Satan and his devices, we have failed to give them the protection and safety they need.

In the lukewarm home there is no prospect for great service.

Have you ever heard a testimony of someone who accomplished greatness. Most of the time, they set that goal as a small child. They realized it would take hard work and commitment, so they set out to pay that price. Today, even college graduates don’t even know what they want to do. There is no prospect for great service.

In the Christian home, a parent ought to put their children in contact with as many great servants of God as they can. Invite Preachers, Missionaries, and other servants of God into your home often.

Put pictures of God’s servants up in your home. Lester Roloff will do much more for your child than a NBA poster. A picture of your child with the Preachers and Evangelists that have been to our Church ought to replace rock stars and sports perverts.

The reason we don’t have many of our Christian children setting their sights on great service for God, is because we don’t plan or expect them to. If you don’t, it’s a sure bet they won’t.

In the lukewarm home, there are no life changing decisions.

The family members are not on the altars of the Church making decisions that change their lives and then talking about them in the home. We allow life to deal us what it will. That is a sad way to live. The Christian ought to have many decisions that altar the course of his life. The Children ought to be accustomed to that experience being in the home.

The feeling and attitude of helplessness and hopelessness in the lives of many today is due to the fact that they never make any life changing decisions and they are not around others that do. The Christian does not need to feel trapped, he serves a God that can change his life. When he sees life changing decisions, he will know that change is possible and he will know how to effect that change.

In the lukewarm home, there is no fear of God.

I’m not talking about a suppressed and defeated home where everyone is afraid to do anything, I’m talking about a healthy fear of disappointing the Lord. The fear of the Lord will teach us wisdom and knowledge and that will teach us to do right. All other forms of fear are destructive, but the fear of the Lord is very productive. It produces purity, honesty, openness, and power.

It is dangerous to be in a place where those things are not. God give us homes where the danger is removed by the fear of the Lord.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Luke 24:49-53 -And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

I. Waiting. v.49

A. The Early Church – Told to tarry in the City of the Possession of Peace until they were endued with the power of the Holy Spirit. They then went into the entire world carrying the testimony of Jesus.Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.B. The Present Church – Continues the testimony of Jesus to the entire world by the Holy Spirit. We will, soon, be gathered back together into the New Jerusalem after He returns. Romans 10:14-18 - How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

II. Walking. v.50

A. The Early Church – They were led to a place of sweetness, Bethany – the House of Figs, and were blessed so they could continue the walk.Galatians 5:18 - But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.B. The Present Church – We are told to continue that daily walk. If we walk with him in this life, we will walk with him in the life to come.Revelation 21:23-24 - And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

III. Watching. v.51

A. The Early Church – They were watching as he left out. Acts 1:9-11 - And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.B. The Present Church – We are watching for his return.I Peter 4:6-7 - For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but li ve according to God in the spirit. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

IV. Worshipping. v.52

A. The Early Church – They met to worship.Acts 2:46-47 - And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.B. The Present Church – We are to meet to worship.Philippians 3:3 - For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

V. Working. v.53

A. The Early Church – Their daily life was filled with the testimony of Jesus and witnessing about him. Acts 2:42-43 - And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.B. The Present Church – Our daily lives are to be filled with Labors of Love for the Lord of Life.Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Job 23:11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Sometimes God’s leading seems hard – vs. 1Sometimes God’s leading seems unfair – vs. 3-7Sometimes God’s leading seems obscure – vs. 8-9We need to understand that His leading is always right! – vs. 101 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1. His Steps Are Sure StepsPsalms 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.Psalms 18:33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.Psalms 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

2. His Steps Are Ordered StepsPsalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

3. His Steps Are Protected StepsPsalms 57:6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Psalms 139:3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4. His Steps Are Righteous StepsPsalms 85:13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.Psalms 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

5. His Steps Are Joyous StepsPsalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

6. His Steps Are Good StepsPsalms 25:10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.Psalms 65:11 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.Psalms 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

7. His Steps Are Plain StepsPsalms 27:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

8. His Steps Are Growing StepsProverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

9. His Steps Are Living StepsPoverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

One of the favorite books I have is a book by a Puritan named Richard Baxter called The Reformed Pastor. I would have loved to have heard him preach. Richard Baxter wrote a number of great books The Saint's Everlasting Rest, A Call to the Unconverted, The Reformed Pastor, and Reliquiae BaxterianaeHere is a piece I found about the signs of living to please Godby Richard Baxter

1. You will be most careful to understand the Scripture, to know what doth please and displease God.

2. You will be more careful in the doing of every duty, to fit it to the pleasing of God than men.

3. You will look to your hearts, and not only to your actions; to your ends, and thoughts, and the inward manner and degree.

4. You will look to secret duties as well as public and to that which men see not, as well as unto that which they see.

5. You will reverence your consciences, and have much to do with them, and will not slight them: when they tell you of God's displeasure, it will disquiet you; when they tell you of his approval, it will comfort you.

6. Your pleasing men will be charitable for their good, and pious in order to the pleasing of God, and not proud and ambitious for your honour with them, nor impious against the pleasing of God.

7. Whether men be pleased or displeased, or how they judge of you, or what they call you, will seem a small matter to you, as their own interest, in comparison to God's judgment. You live not on them. You can bear their displeasure, censures, and reproaches, if God be but pleased. These will be your evidences.